Ben, Emily, Kris, Mike, Katie and Megan

Kris and I are very excited to be serving as your new Awana missionaries! Both of us were raised in Ohio and lived there our entire lives before making the move to Newton, Kansas in 2004 to become new missionaries with Awana, serving central and western Kansas. In December 2011, it became clear that God was calling us leave Kansas and serve as missionaries to western Kentucky and western Tennessee. With this transition, Mike also assumes the additional responsibility of Lead Missionary over both states. We make our home in Fancy Farm, KY.

In 2012, Kris and I will celebrate 24 years of marriage. God has blessed us with four wonderful children: Ben (21), Emily (19), Megan (almost 17), Katie (15). Before becoming an Awana Missionary, Mike worked at Nationwide Insurance for 23 years. Kris was a stay-at-home mom and part-time attorney. We had the privilege of being introduced to Awana in 1989. Kris served in our Awana Club back in Ohio for 15 years, first as a Sparks leader and Sparks director, and then 12 years as club secretary. Upon moving to Kansas, Kris served as a Sparks leader, director or secretary for 7 1/2 years. In Ohio, Mike served as an Awana commander for 14 years. We both served on the Southern Ohio Ministry Team for two years prior to becoming missionaries with Awana.

God has shown Himself to our family in so many wonderful ways as we have been obedient to the calling to full-time service with Awana and His leading us to relocate to yet a different area of the country. We are often humbled as we see how God is working through us to share the Awana ministry with churches in Kansas and now in western Kentucky and western Tennessee. His timing, His plans and His location are always perfect! We look forward to meeting many new pastors, commanders, leaders, parents and, of course, the hundreds of clubbers attending Awana each week!

We have committed our lives to the belief that Awana helps churches and parents work together to develop spiritually strong children and youth who faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Awana is a proven approach for evangelizing and discipling kids in the church and community. As your missionaries, we strive to assist you in establishing Awana as a vital part of your local church’s outreach, discipleship, family ministry and volunteer training.

Our Ministry Verse
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Our Mission:
To introduce the ministry of Awana to local churches, equipping them to impact their community and the world for Christ. Helping churches to…”Reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him.”

Our Passion:
We share your passion to reach children and youth, and their families, with the gospel! In addition to supporting your local Awana club, we are also advocates of children’s ministry at the local church level.